Building Construction & Custom Woodworking at Orillia Secondary School

Students who are interested in the construction trades will benefit from enrolling in the SHSM Construction program at Orillia Secondary School. This program will enable students to earn their SHSM designation through residential construction and/or custom woodworking. Students will be given the opportunity to practice their building skills through the construction of decks and/or sheds, participate in community renovations, develop an understanding of sound foundations, and learn other practical jobs through construction technology courses.

Students who are interested in building furniture or becoming cabinetmakers will benefit from Orillia Secondary’s custom woodworking classes. Enrolling in these courses will allow students to be given the opportunity to practice their building and design skills through the construction of fine furniture, custom kitchens, mill work and other school and community based projects.

Recommended Pathway Courses:

If you are interested in participating in the SHSM Construction at Orillia Secondary School, speak to a guidance counselor today about our High Skills Construction Four (4) CreditBundle. This bundle consists of two (2) credits in construction technology and two (2) other required SHSM credits that may include math, business and/or English. Students who participate in the High Skills Construction Four (4) CreditBundle have the opportunity to build larger projects in the community with opportunities to work outside all day and all week!

Finally, all students who participate in the SHSM Construction program will have the opportunity to complete industry recognized certifications such as Basic Health and Safety, Standard First Aid/CPR, Electrical Safety, Fall Arrest, Fork Lift Operator, Propane Safety, Traffic Control, and WHMIS.

Experiential Learning/Reach Ahead Opportunities:

SHSM students at Orillia Secondary School are able to be involved in a variety of Experiential Learning as well as Reach Ahead opportunities.

Experiential Learning opportunities are planned activities that may include career exploration, job shadowing, job twinning, and work experience. In the past, students have toured Georgian College and Conestoga College to experience what college programs are like in the construction sector. Students have also participated in group community builds in the “High Skills Construction” program with teacher instructors as well as trades people from the community. Job shadowing and twinning are available throughout the year with the help of Co-op and the “High Skills Construction” program (formerly known as “Construction Craft”).

Skilled Trades Exposition @ Georgian College - Midland

Reach Ahead experiences enable Grade 11 and 12 students to gain confidence in their ability to be successful, refine skills and work habits, and make informed choices about future careers and next steps. SHSM students in the past have gone to work related trade shows such as:

Home Workshop Show,

YMCA Trade Career for Youth Conference,

Skilled Trades Exposition through Georgian College, and many other opportunities

In some cases, students experience a Reach Ahead opportunity through the participation of the Level 1 Carpentry Dual Credit Program. Each year, the focus of the dual credits change based on the community need. Speak to a guidance counsellor today to see what programs are being run currently.

Community Supports

Orillia Secondary School is very proud of our amazing community supports and would like to extend our thanks. If you would like to become part of our team, please contact the school.